5 Essential Norwegian Epic Tips

Those looking for a vast variety of dining choices will enjoy Norwegian Epic.
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Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

Whether you’ve already booked a cruise on Norwegian Epic or are still in the research phase, this collection of insider tips curated from thousands of member reviews will help you get the most out of your sailing.

1. O'Sheehans is the place to go both early in the morning and late at night.

O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

Our members speak highly of O'Sheehan's, Norwegian Epic's 24-hour dining spot, and especially recommend the venue for breakfast and late night snacks.

"Spend time at O'sheehans, great bar food and plenty of seats!!" - Cosy (read review)

"Go to O'Sheehan's Irish pub, it has amazing hot wings and great fish and chips late evening and for lunch." - Catherinelady (read review)

“We liked O'Sheehan's for breakfast. They serve you at the table for standard breakfast food...although I didn't like the french toast. I don't drink coffee, but they had very good hot chocolate!” - CrackerCruiser (read review)

“O Sheehan's is a great place for late meal or snack after late shows since buffet closes at 10:30pm.” - CruiserSusieQ (read review)

2. Check out the "secret" sun deck on deck 18.

Sometimes the best decks for peaceful lounging are in hard-to-find places. - Photo by LisaStrachan/Thinkstock

Too few poolside deck loungers is a common complaint on Norwegian Epic, but savvy cruisers know to look up... to deck 18.

“Don't forget about the "secret" sundeck on the 18th floor. Chairs/tables on all other floors fill up VERY fast when the boat is at sea.” - Benbooher1 (read review)

"Find your way to the 18th deck at the bow of the ship. elevator to 17 and walk up one flight. Keep moving to the bow. This is a quiet zone and has very comfy lounges and an amazing view." - necruiser (read review)

“If you go to ' the great outdoors' buffet you will see two glass lifts, one is for Haven guests only but the other is for everyone, take it up to deck 18 and there is a lovely quiet sun deck up there with comfy loungers, nice and peaceful if you want away from the hassle and bustle of the main pool deck.” - gills73 (read review)

3. Pick a New Wave balcony stateroom with the bed closer to the balcony.

This particular design of the New Wave balcony cabin is less than ideal. - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

The "new wave" balcony staterooms on Norwegian Epic are almost universally despised by cruisers, thanks to an odd, space-saving design that put small rooms for the toilet and shower directly in the stateroom. Smart cruisers have told us that If you want to book a balcony, look for one with the "bulge" closer to the balcony, to both maximize space and to keep the bed as far away from the facilities as possible.

“When booking a balcony stateroom make sure your particular stateroom has bed closest to balcony vs bathroom. Each room flips opposite direction. This setup makes room feel larger with less wasted space. make sure your travel agent knows this ship. Location is key to a great time or not.” - LAlovesToCruise (read review)

“Look at a blue print when reserving your room, pick one with the concave part of wave by the window to get bed by balcony.” - Sgurley66 (read review)

4. Buy the spa pass.

Norwegian Epic spa whirlpools - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

While Epic is a large ship, it doesn’t mean you have to constantly be surrounded by thousands of new friends. Buying a pass to use the thermal suites and other amenities in the spa can be a welcome respite from the crowds.

“This is a big ship and can be daunting at times; if you don't like high levels of noise most of the time, the best escape is the spa thermal suites where you can buy a pass and spend as much time in and out of there as you like.” - ehabjaber (read review)

“If you are on the Epic, get a spa package, it is really worth the money and this ship had a great spa. After all the walking and exploring on the shore excursions it was so nice to relax at the spa.” - brendaannolele (read review)

“Do try to Spa area (even if you don't get a treatment). The warm chaise lounges and different areas/types of bubbling waters are both fun and relaxing.” - pottertl (read review)

5. Try the alternative buffet seating options.

You can get your meal at the buffet and then take it down to La Cucina to eat. - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line

Most cruisers can relate to crowded buffets and difficulty finding a seat during the popular meal times. On Norwegian Epic, you can avoid the crowds in two venues adjacent to the Garden Cafe Buffet.

“If you eat at the Garden [buffet] don't stop at the first 2 lines they are always, longer. Proceed to the back, people often don't consider the outdoor bar! There's never a line.” - NeverLongEnough (read review)

“If you eat at the buffet, take your food to the fwd end of the ship and go downstairs to eat at La Cucina - much quieter! Also, be prepared to walk stairs or wait long times for elevators. I wore my fitbit and averaged 17,000 step a day!” - Slaglator (read review)

“There’s another small breakfast buffet downstairs in La Cucina! The crew at this secret buffet told us they opened the extra space up anytime the ship was full, but that’s really all the time. Best of all, there were things not found on the regular buffet like yogurt parfaits and breakfast calzones!” - WeCruiseToo

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